As of January 2023, the average school superintendent salary in Texas is $169,476. That’s a respectable number and appealing to many superintendent candidates, but as an average it doesn’t tell the whole story. A September 2022 report sourced from the Texas Education Agency showed annual superintendent salaries topping or approaching the half-million-dollar mark. These salaries do not correspond directly to the number of students enrolled in each district but instead to the school district in which they’re situated. Consider the top five Texas districts in terms of superintendent salary:
- Cypress-Fairbanks ISD: 117,217 enrollments | Superintendent base salary $512,439
- Barbers Hill ISD: 6,818 enrollments | Superintendent base salary $446,062
- Ysleta ISD: 37,244 enrollments | Superintendent base salary $425,582
- Duncanville ISD: 11,946 enrollments | Superintendent base salary $403,442
- KIPP Texas Public Schools: 32,321 enrollments | Superintendent base salary $397,938
As you might imagine, competition for superintendent positions in Texas can be intense. Such coveted jobs generally become available only when a current superintendent vacates their position. But the more than 1200 school districts in the state provide numerous opportunities for qualified candidates. Superintendent certification through TEA makes you a viable candidate. Prior to achieving that, you must complete a Texas educator preparation program (EPP).
Make a Bigger Difference in Many More Lives
As a school principal, you unquestionably have the power to influence the lives of young people. As superintendent, your expertise in managing people, money, and other resources, carving out a vision for education in your district, engaging public officials and the greater community, and guiding your school board multiplies that influence exponentially.
At UT Permian Basin, we’re educators, too. We understand that you’re a passion-driven professional who strives to make a positive impact on as many students’ lives as possible. To quantify that potential, one Texas school district has an enrollment of nearly 200,000 students and several others are in or approaching the 100,000 range:
- Houston ISD: 194,607 enrollments
- Dallas ISD: 143,558 enrollments
- Cypress-Fairbanks ISD: 117,217 enrollments
- Northside ISD: 102,377 enrollments
- Katy ISD: 88,368 enrollments
In terms of having a greater salary, more (and more consequential) responsibilities, and other tangible benefits, what is it worth to you to complete an EPP such as a superintendent certification preparation program? While specific numbers like those shown above can answer some of these questions, there are also intangible benefits to consider, including greater professional esteem and the satisfaction of making a bigger difference in young lives. Only you can calculate that worth.
Your Path to District-Level Leadership Is Online
If you aspire to a superintendent role in Texas, you already know that one of the requirements is successful completion of an approved superintendent EPP. UT Permian Basin is here to help. Our online Superintendent Certification program is 100% focused on helping principals and assistant principals who are ready to move into a district-level leadership role prepare to become certified superintendents in Texas. (If you live outside of Texas, check with Dr. Rod Uzat to confirm that your state’s certification requirements align with our program.)
Though a search of the Texas Education Agency (TEA) website will reveal 122 EPPs in Texas, UT Permian Basin’s program offers some considerable advantages. One of few four-course programs in Texas that maintains a practicum component for its duration, our program is:
- Nationally accredited by the prestigious Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
- Approved by TEA
- Accredited by the Accountability System for Educator Preparation (ASEP)
Once enrolled in our program, you can access our virtual classroom online from any location worldwide at any hour. You’ll pay a tuition rate that’s among the most affordable of any accredited university—approximately $6,255.84 plus applicable fees—a fraction of your future earning potential. You can finish the required 16 credits in as little as two semesters as you prepare to qualify for the professional role of a lifetime. And you can count on continued support from us with professional networking and dialogue opportunities after you successfully complete our program.
Given these facts and figures, it’s clear that applying to UT Permian Basin’s Superintendent Certification program is worth the investment in your future. Clear your path to the leadership position you want—apply now!
Sources:
https://www.dallasnews.com/news/education/2019/12/31/how-long-are-texas-schools-superintendents-sticking-around-longer-than-youd-think/
https://www.edweek.org/leadership/we-pay-superintendents-big-bucks-and-expect-them-to-succeed-but-we-hardly-know-them/2021/06
https://tea.texas.gov/finance-and-grants/state-funding/superintendents-and-cfos